Angel Madrazo came to many people’s attention during the Tour of Britain in 2013, when he put on a show of great strength and attacking to win both the sprints and climbers jerseys. The Caja Rural rider spoke to CyclingQuotes.com about his 2014 and in particular, his great battle at Giro dell’Emillia with Davide Rebellin.

In a season that the Spaniard revealed was plagued by bad luck in the opening months, he still managed to show his aggression and strength to take results for his team.

“I started the season very strong, but in my first race of the year, Etoile de Besseges, I caught a virus that affected my performances. Between April and May I suffered allergies which prevented me from performing at my best. From June, at the Tour of Norway and Fjords Tour, my sensations began to be reflected on the road as I entered the top 20 in both races overall. In the Championship of Spain, I finished in the lead group with the best. Then, during the Volta a Portugal, one of the team's goals, I showed myself well in several big breaks.”

And his sensations began to lead him to even better results as the season came to its close, with great efforts in France and Italy being rewarded with good results for his Caja Rural team.

“Although I was at my best during the Tour du Gevaudan, finishing fifth in the Queen stage and 8th overall, and winning the Mountains Jersey. Finally, I was second in the Giro dell’Emillia.”

He told CyclingQuotes that the Italian race, which finishes on a tough climb, was by far the best moment of his season, even though he was beaten by Rebellin. When asked if he was happy to get second or disappointed to lose, he said that there was no disgrace losing to Rebellin and he was pleased with his result.

“It was a great result to end the season. And even more by second behind Davide Rebellin, one of the best Classic riders in history.”

One result that many may not have picked up on was his performance in Il Lombardia, where he was 30th. He says it is a race he wants to improve at in the future.

“It is one of my favorite classics. I had a great trip to Italy. Other than that, it is celebrated in a time where I am on top of my physical condition.”

When we asked about his attacking style, Madrazo says that it just comes naturally to him as he always wants to give his all on the bike.

“My view on cycling is to always give my maximum in each race. There are races where I cannot be the best or the profile of the race doesn’t suit me, that is why I like attacking to join breaks. I give it my highest performance in both short and long races. I'm a pretty explosive rider.”

Madrazo isn’t putting any exact detail into his 2015 objectives. He just wishes to stay healthy this time around and to show his strength by taking some podiums in 2015.

“I want to go slowly without getting any pressure and giving my best in every competition that I take the start line at. Still, I'd love to be on the podium in several races.”